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October 7, 2022
The fourth edition of the Street Child World Cup kicks off tomorrow in Doha, Qatar and runs through October 15. Held in partnership between Street Child United and Qatar Foundation, the tournament will feature 28 teams from 25 countries representing some of the world’s most vulnerable children. The event provides a platform to champion the rights of street-connected children and allows them to showcase their talents.
According to the UN, there are up to 150 million street children in the world, often exposed to exploitation and violence. Many also lack formal identification, access to education and healthcare and have no legal rights. The unique event, traditionally in World Cup host countries, is organized by Street Child United to spotlight the plight of these children and to advocate for their rights.
13 female teams and 15 male teams – 10 of which are being represented by refugees or displaced children – will take part in the month just ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Alongside the tournament will be an arts festival and a congress to champion the rights of underserved street children worldwide.
Players will also participate in workshops aimed at developing their skills off the pitch. The 10-day event will culminate in a General Assembly where children will get a chance to advocate for their rights and protection before a group of business leaders and high-level officials. Recommendations made at the meeting will be compiled into a formal document entitled ‘The Qatar Commitment’, a collective pledge to help advance the lives of children living in street situations.
“By having the world’s attention on Qatar ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, we can demonstrate the power of football for social good; helping to educate and raise awareness of these children’s circumstances. Together we can create necessary change so that no child, anywhere, is living on the streets,” said John Wroe, co-founder and CEO of Street Child United.
Street Child United is a collective of grassroots and international organizations, volunteers, supporters and more who are working to change the way the world sees and treats street-connected children. With the vision of a world where every child can access their rights, no matter their background, the organization champions and showcases the capabilities of street-connected children, as well as aid in their development.
Over the course of its existence, the UK charity has changed the lives of 736 street children and secured 867 passports for every child attending Street Child United events. 12 teams have also been able to take their young people’s messages directly to their governments to demand change and action.
Countries taking part include Bangladesh, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burundi, Colombia, Egypt, England, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Mauritius, Mexico, Nepal, Palestine, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Sudan, Syrian Forum, Tanzania, Uganda, USA and Zimbabwe.
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